Performance Designs

Sabre II

One word… ev·o·lu·tion (eh vE lu shEn) n. A gradual process in which something transforms into a different and better form. A new breed. Not just a modified Sabre, the Sabre2 is the latest, totally new design to emerge from 15 years of ongoing research and development. This canopy is destined to become one of the most popular designs we have ever conceived. From the moment you release the pilot chute, the Sabre2’s consistent, soft, on-heading openings will please you. Pilots of the original Sabre will immediately notice the Sabre2’s more crisp and positive response to toggle input, along with its lighter toggle and riser pressure. When it comes to landings, everyone will be amazed with the incredible amount of lift available on landing. This lift gives the Sabre2 pilot a tremendous ability to slow down when you wish to. The Sabre2 will feel aggressive at higher wing loadings while maintaining its incredible ease of landing and forgiveness at lower wing loadings. The Sabre2’s performance envelope is huge. If you are looking for a canopy that represents the evolution of modern, carefree performance, the Sabre2 is it. The Performance Designs Sabre2…the evolution of performance!

PD Sabre2 wing load chart

CANOPY MODEL

AREA (SQ.FT.)

MINIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

MAXIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

SPAN (FT.)

CHORD (FT.)

ASPECT RATIO

STUDENT

NOVICE

INT.

ADV.

EXP.

MAX

Sabre2-097

97

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

97

126

155

15.82

5.85/5.38

2.58:1

Sabre2-107

107

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

107

139

171

16.61

6.15/5.65

2.58:1

Sabre2-120

120

VLC

N/S

102

114

120

156

192

17.59

6.51/5.98

2.58:1

Sabre2-135

135

VLC

N/S

115

128

135

176

216

18.66

6.91/6.35

2.58:1

Sabre2-150

150

VLC

N/S

135

150

165

195

240

19.67

7.28/6.69

2.58:1

Sabre2-170

170

VLC

136**

153

170

187

221

255

20.94

7.75/7.12

2.58:1

Sabre2-190

190

VLC

152**

171

190

209

228

266

22.14

8.19/7.53

2.58:1

Sabre2-210

210

VLC

168**

189

210

231

252

273

23.27

8.61/7.92

2.58:1

Sabre2-230

230

VLC

184**

219

230

253

276

299

24.36

9.01/8.28

2.58:1

Sabre2-260

260

VLC

208**

248

260

286

312

312

25.90

9.58/8.81

2.58:1

VLC = Varies with landing conditions. N/S – Not Suggested ** Although this model has been used successfully for student use, Performance Designs has other models which may be more appropriate.

Stiletto

Since its release, the Stiletto has become the most sought after high performance “elliptical” nine cell canopy in the world… Whether it’s the soft openings, responsiveness, extremely fast rate of turn, flat glide, or incredible landing capabilities, the Stiletto is the canopy of choice for those pilots who have taken the time (and jumps) to hone their piloting skill. The Stiletto has been the canopy flown by more national and world champions than any other canopy in the world. From formation skydiving to free flying, Blade Running™ to skysurfing the Stiletto has become the canopy of choice for pilots who desire a canopy that performs as well after opening as they perform in free fall. The Stiletto is that canopy. If you are ready for the transition from what you currently fly, to the canopy regarded as the premiere high performance elliptical in the world…the Stiletto is ready for you. The Performance Designs Stiletto…All out Performance

PD Stiletto wing load chart

CANOPY MODEL

AREA (SQ.FT.)

MINIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

MAXIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

SPAN (FT.)

CHORD (FT.)

ASPECT RATIO

STUDENT

NOVICE

INT.

ADV.

EXP.

MAX

Stiletto-089

89

VLC

N/R

N/R

N/R

106

125

151

15.44

6.20/4.34

2.68:1

Stiletto-097

97

VLC

N/R

N/R

N/R

116.4

135.8

164.9

16.12

6.45/4.51

2.68:1

Stiletto-107

107

VLC

N/R

N/R

N/R

128.4

149.8

181.9

16.93

6.77/4.74

2.68:1

Stiletto-120

120

VLC

N/R

N/R

N/R

144

168

204

17.93

7.17/5.02

2.68:1

Stiletto-135

135

VLC

N/R

N/R

N/R

162

189

229.5

19.02

7.61/5.32

2.68:1

Stiletto-150

150

VLC

N/R

N/R

N/R

180

210

255

20.04

8.02/5.61

2.68:1

Stiletto-170

170

VLC

N/R

N/R

136

204

238

272

21.34

8.54/5.97

2.68:1

Stiletto-190

190

VLC

N/R

N/R

152

228

266

285

22.56

9.03/6.31

2.68:1

VLC = Varies with landing conditions. N/R = Not Recommended

Katana

Katana! Performance Designs new elliptical main parachute! Performance Designs’ Katana is a high-performance canopy designed for experienced canopy pilots. The Katana has been described as “a perfect fit between the Stiletto and Velocity,” and a canopy that is “very suited to modern flying styles.” Like the PD Stiletto, the Katana is a highly tapered or “elliptical” nine-cell canopy made from zero-porosity fabric. Both the Stiletto and the Katana were designed using a conventional cell structure, without cross-braces or airlocks™ . The Katana may look similar to a Stiletto at first glance, but beneath the surface they are two completely different machines. “……I love the way the Katana dives. It’s easier to control all the way through a front riser approach, and feels a lot smoother to me than the Stiletto…..” The Katana is very easy to control using front risers. The front riser pressure starts off very light, and tends to build up slowly. It is easy to keep the Katana in a front riser dive or diving turn, and to make adjustments to your turn rate and rate of descent while diving. By comparison, the Stiletto’s front riser pressure starts out noticeably higher and builds up more quickly. “……It’s geared towards a pilot who enjoys a responsive canopy that has the characteristics of an ‘elliptical’ wing. The turning characteristics, spirals, low-speed lift, and other characteristics associated with an ‘elliptical’ wing are all there and all very refined……” “….The Katana holds a dive longer than the Stiletto after a front riser or toggle turn. People who make high-performance approaches can start their turns higher and have more time to make adjustments…..” “…..Front riser pressure is very comfortable. Compared to a Velocity, it feels like I can just hold the fronts and do whatever degree of rotation I want……”

RATIO

PD Katana wing load chart

CHORD
(FT.)

STUDENT

NOVICE

INT.

ADV.

EXP.

MAX

Katana-083

83

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

107 (49)*

142 (65)*

160 (73)*

15.08

5.94/4.04

2.74:1

Katana-089

89

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

116 (53)*

155 (70)*

175 (80)*

15.62

6.15/4.19

2.74:1

Katana-097

97

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

128 (58)*

171 (78)*

193 (88)*

16.30

6.42/4.37

2.74:1

Katana-107

107

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

144 (65)*

192 (87)*

216 (98)*

17.12

6.74/4.59

2.74:1

Katana-120

120

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

162 (74)*

216 (98)*

243 (110)*

18.13

7.14/4.86

2.74:1

Katana-135

135

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

176 (80)*

229 (104)*

257 (117)*

19.23

7.57/5.15

2.74:1

Katana-150

150

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

195 (89)*

242 (110)*

271 (123)*

20.27

7.98/5.43

2.74:1

Katana-170

170

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

221 (100)*

255 (116)*

285 (130)*

21.58

8.50/5.78

2.74:1

VLC = Varies with landing conditions N/S = Not Suggested *(KG) All weight measures show the Maximum Exit Weight for that category

Velocity

Performance Designs has again set a new standard with the Velocity. It is designed specifically to satisfy those pilots who have already been jumping high performance elliptical canopies at relatively high wing loadings, for some time, and are looking for something more. The Velocity is not a canopy for everyone. The Velocity has a wider speed range than any other canopy we have ever seen. You will be amazed at how easy it is to achieve incredibly steep, high speed front riser turns. If long, high speed swoop landings are your thing, the Velocity will really impress you with its ability to turf surf incredible distances, while still allowing you to slow down more than any other canopy of a given size. The Velocity’s landings are so incredible , you will find yourself making jumps just so that you can land it again. The Velocity will allow highly experienced pilots to explore a range of ram air flight never before possible. With its rigid cross braced structure, incredibly clean aerodynamics and almost totally enclosed leading edge, the Velocity is the most advanced ram air wing we have ever offered. If you have been jumping high performance ellipticals for some time and want to explore a greater range of speed and performance, then the Velocity is your canopy. The PD Velocity … A new level of Performance!

PD Velocity wing load chart

CANOPY MODEL

AREA (SQ.FT.)

MINIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

MAXIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

SPAN (FT.)

CHORD (FT.)

ASPECT RATIO

STUDENT

NOVICE

INT.

ADV.

EXP.

MAX

Velocity-079

79

79

N/R

N/R

N/R

103

150

174

14.54

5.78/4.48

2.68:1

Velocity-084

84

84

N/R

N/R

N/R

109

160

185

14.99

5.98/4.62

2.68:1

Velocity-090

90

90

N/R

N/R

N/R

117

171

198

15.56

6.20/4.75

2.69:1

Velocity-096

96

96

N/R

N/R

N/R

125

182

211

16.07

6.40/4.90

2.69:1

Velocity-103

103

103

N/R

N/R

N/R

134

196

227

16.65

6.63/5.08

2.69:1

Velocity-111

111

111

N/R

N/R

N/R

144

210

244

17.33

6.91/5.23

2.71:1

Velocity-120

120

120

N/R

N/R

N/R

156

228

264

18.02

7.12/5.44

2.71:1

VLC = Varies with landing conditions. N/R = Not Recommended

Spectre

You will never look at a seven 7-cell canopy the same way again… Forget anything you have ever heard or experienced. The Spectre is unlike any other canopy you have you have ever seen! In its first months after release, our tapered, zero porosity seven cell has already become one of the most popular canopies we have ever produced. Feedback from skydivers around the world tell the story: How are the openings? …”slow, soft and on-heading”…, …”awesome”…, …”incredible”…, “the best I’ve ever had”…, … “why don’t all parachutes open like this”… How was it to fly? … “quick turns”…, … “very, very stable”…, …”glides better than my nine cell”…, …”great diving front riser turns”…, …”solid in deep brakes”… How are the landings? …”swoops better than my nine cell:…, …”great landings, even in brakes”…, …”the best landings I’ve ever had, in all conditons”… How was it for CRW? …”solid in stacks”…, “handled hard docks extremely well”…, …”rotations were great, straight down the back and dock”… All this and smaller pack volume as well…need we say more? The Performance Designs Spectre: Versatile…Yes! Predictable…Yes! Fun…Of Course

PD Spectre wing load chart

CANOPY MODEL

AREA (SQ.FT.)

MINIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

MAXIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

SPAN (FT.)

CHORD (FT.)

ASPECT RATIO

STUDENT

NOVICE

INT.

ADV.

EXP.

MAX

Spectre-97

97

VLC

N/R

N/R

N/R

97

126.1

155.2

14.42

6.87/6.25

2.14:1

Spectre-107

107

VLC

N/R

N/R

N/R

107

139.1

171.2

15.15

7.21/6.98

2.14:1

Spectre-120

120

VLC

N/R

102

114

120

156

192

16.04

7.64/6.98

2.14:1

Spectre-135

135

VLC

N/R

114.75

128

135

175.5

216

17.01

8.10/7.39

2.14:1

Spectre-150

150

VLC

N/R

135

150

165

195

240

17.93

8.54/7.72

2.14:1

Spectre-170

170

VLC

N/R

153

170

187

221

255

19.09

9.09/8.29

2.14:1

Spectre-190

190

VLC

N/R

171

190

209

228

266

20.18

9.61/8.76

2.14:1

Spectre-210

210

VLC

N/R

189

210

231

252

273

21.22

10.10/9.21

2.14:1

Spectre-230

230

VLC

N/R

218.5

230

253

276

299

22.20

10.57/9.64

2.14:1

VLC = Varies with landing conditions. N/R – Not Recommended

Reserve

…”Since all Reserves are certified, aren’t they all the same?”…NOT HARDLY! Look at our experience…At Performance Designs, we are the leaders in parachute technology. From rugged tandems for military use to the latest high performance designs for skydivers, we have the knowledge, experience and technology to build it right. Look at our performance…Whether it is openings, flight characteristics or landings, Performance Designs canopies are the standard by which all others are judged. Now look at our design…Our reserves have always been built from their “links up” as reserves. Reserves have special design and performance criteria, that’s why ours are designed and built only as reserves. Strength: Features like I-beam construction, along with spanwise and chordwise reinforcement, make our reserves far stronger than they “need to be”. Certifications are fine, but we don’t stop there. Our reserves have been tested well beyond the maximum weight and speed limits required for certification. Flight and landing: Our reserves are Performance Designs canopies at heart. You know what that means…responsive, predictable handling, excellent glide in the brakes and outstanding landings. How important is this? Let’s put it this way…bad spot, low altitude, under a reserve…now, how important do you think it is? Performance Designs’ Reserve…Performance you can count on! When you’re down to your last canopy…why would you settle for anything less?

PD Reserve Sizing Chart

The weights listed below are the MAXIMUM weight limits for each category and size. There are many reasons why you might wish to stay below the maximum limit for your canopy. It is perfectly acceptable for your weight to be below these limits, as long as wind and landing conditions permit.

Pulse

Flight Characteristics From openings to landings: Stress-Free Fun The Pulse is a lightly elliptical nine cell canopy designed for the active intermediate to experienced “fun jumper.” Pack volume has been reduced significantly, by combining our proprietary low bulk fabric technology with our well-known zero-p fabric. The Pulse can give you stress free on heading openings, a very flat glide and easy landings. It is highly responsive, very capable, and lots of fun to fly.

PD Pulse Wing Loading Chart

CANOPY MODEL

AREA (SQ.FT.)

MINIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

MAXIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

SPAN (FT.)

CHORD (FT.)

ASPECT RATIO

STUDENT

NOVICE

INT.

ADV.

EXP.

MAX

Pulse-107

107

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

114(52)

138(63)

160(73)

16.67

6.43

2.59:1

Pulse-120

120

VLC

N/S

N/S

115(52)

129(59)

155(70)

180(82)

17.65

6.81

2.59:1

Pulse-135

135

VLC

N/S

110(50)

132(60)

146(66)

175(80)

202(92)

18.72

7.22

2.59:1

Pulse-150

150

VLC

N/S

123(56)

149(68)

169(77)

195(89)

225(102)

19.73

7.61

2.59:1

Pulse-170

170

VLC

N/S

143(65)

173(79)

193(88)

222(101)

250(114)

21.01

8.10

2.59:1

Pulse-190

190

VLC

140(64)

165(75)

194(88)

218(99)

247(112)

266(121)

22.21

8.57

2.59:1

Pulse-210

210

VLC

157(71)

190(86)

216(98)

230(105)

259(118)

275(125)

23.35

9.01

2.59:1

Pulse-230

230

VLC

172(78)

210(95)

228(104)

245(111)

268(122)

280(127)

24.44

9.43

2.59:1

Pulse-260

260

VLC

195(89)

230(105)

242(110)

262(119)

282(128)

302(137)

25.98

10.02

2.59:1

VLC = Varies with landing conditions. N/S = Not Suggested

Storm

Flight Characteristics So what is this STORM? Thunder, Lightning, Wind and Rainï¿½ oh, the canopy. With great openings and a powerful flare at landing, this truly is the 7-cell that thinks itï¿½s a 9-cell. Looking for a reliable canopy that will keep you challenged? Have you been searching for the perfect wingsuit canopy? Considering trying CF one day but not ready to buy a second canopy? Well here you go. We would have called it the ï¿½Perfect Stormï¿½ but that was already taken…

PD Storm Wing Loading Chart

CANOPY MODEL

AREA (SQ.FT.)

MINIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

MAXIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

SPAN (FT.)

CHORD (FT.)

ASPECT RATIO

STUDENT

NOVICE

INT.

ADV.

EXP.

MAX

Storm-97

97

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

116 (53)

150 (68)

175 (79)

14.42

6.87/6.25

2.14:1

Storm-107

107

VLC

N/S

N/S

N/S

128 (58)

166 (75)

193 (88)

15.15

7.21/6.98

2.14:1

Storm-120

120

VLC

N/S

N/S

120 (55)

144 (65)

192 (87)

216 (98)

16.04

7.64/6.98

2.14:1

Storm-135

135

VLC

N/S

122 (55)

149 (68)

169 (77)

216 (98)

230 (104)

17.01

8.10/7.39

2.14:1

Storm-150

150

VLC

N/S

143 (65)

173 (78)

188 (85)

225 (102)

240 (109)

17.93

8.54/7.72

2.14:1

Storm-170

170

VLC

N/S

170 (77)

196 (89)

213 (97)

238 (108)

255 (116)

19.09

9.09/8.29

2.14:1

Storm-190

190

VLC

133 (60)**

190 (86)

209 (95)

228 (104)

247 (112)

266 (121)

20.18

9.61/8.76

2.14:1

Storm-210

210

VLC

158 (72)**

210 (95)

221 (100)

242 (110)

263 (119)

273 (124)

21.22

10.10/9.21

2.14:1

Storm-230

230

VLC

173 (78)**

230 (105)

242 (110)

253 (115)

276 (125)

299 (136)

22.20

10.57/9.64

2.14:1

VLC = Varies with landing conditions. N/S – Not Suggested **Although this model has been used successfully for this category, PD has other models that may be more suitable.

Comp Velocity

Flight Characteristics Will you be looking up at the podium, or standing on it? In the exciting discipline of Canopy Piloting, a fraction of a second or an extra meter can make the difference between being a hero… or a zero. Technique, Determination, Practice, Persistence, and Talent are essential. What else makes the vital difference? The relentless power of the Competition Velocity. The podium is right there… Will you be on it?

PD Competition Velocity Wing Load Chart

CANOPY MODEL

AREA (SQ.FT.)

MINIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

MAXIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

SPAN (FT.)

CHORD (FT.)

ASPECT RATIO

STUDENT

NOVICE

INT.

ADV.

EXP.

MAX

Comp Velocity-071

71

71(32)*

N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R

149(68)*

170(77)*

13.78

5.48/4.25

2.68:1

Comp Velocity-075

75

75(34)*

N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R

158(72)*

180(82)*

14.17

5.63/4.36

2.68:1

Comp Velocity-079

79

79(36)*

N/R

N/R

N/R

N/R

166(75)*

194(88)*

14.54

5.78/4.48

2.68:1

Comp Velocity-084

84

84(38)*

N/R

N/R

N/R

109(50)*

176(80)*

206(94)*

14.99

5.98/4.62

2.68:1

Comp Velocity-090

90

90(41)*

N/R

N/R

N/R

117(53)*

193(88)*

225(102)*

15.56

6.20/4.75

2.69:1

Comp Velocity-096

96

96(44)*

N/R

N/R

N/R

125(57)*

206(94)*

240(109)*

16.07

6.40/4.90

2.69:1

Comp Velocity-103

103

103(47)*

N/R

N/R

N/R

134(61)*

221(100)*

252(115)*

16.65

6.63/5.08

2.69:1

Comp Velocity-111

111

111(51)*

N/R

N/R

N/R

144(65)*

238(108)*

266(121)*

17.33

6.91/5.23

2.71:1

VLC = Varies with landing conditions. N/R = Not Recommended *(KG)

Optimum Reserve

Flight Characteristics The Optimum Reserve just got bigger… and it still packs small. The Optimum Reserve by PD is now offered in six larger sizes under TSO C23d (certification pending). Like the popular smaller Optimums, these canopies have our proprietary low bulk fabric, special aerodynamics and strong reinforcing to create great strength and better performance. The larger Optimums are 160, 176, 193, 218, 235, and 253 square feet. They not only pack much smaller, but are rated for higher maximum exit weights– up to 300 pounds! Performance Designs has built over 35,000 PD reserves, which has a well-earned reputation as a safe, strong reserve that opens, flies and lands very well. The new Optimum builds upon that great track record. It not only exceeds the stringent standards of TSO C23d and packs far smaller than any other reserve available, but it also flies and lands far more like a main parachute. It has the most powerful flare, by a wide margin, of any reserve we have ever tried. The Optimum Reserve is a rectangular 7-Cell canopy available in sizes ranging from 99 to 253 square feet. It is made from a new low permeability, low bulk fabric available exclusively from Performance Designs. We’ve combined this fabric with special aerodynamics and extensive reinforcing to create great strength, better performance, and a smaller pack volume for a given size. The Optimum has been successfully test-dropped at weights and speeds considerably higher than those required for FAA certification according to TSO C23d, the highest standard to date. When describing the performance characteristics of a particular canopy, it is important to consider a person’s frame of reference. Your impression of your reserve’s performance will be influenced by the size and type of main canopy you normally jump, and by other canopies that you have jumped in the past. Remember that a main and reserve may have very different flight characteristics, especially if they are significantly different in size. There are also many additional factors to consider when choosing a reserve parachute, since it is a canopy you will likely be using only in an emergency. Many of these items are covered in the “PD Reserve Flight Characteristics” document, and are not repeated here. We suggest you read that document entirely, as well as the PD Reserve Owner’s Manual for additional safety information. This canopy is only available in Orange

Optimum Reserve Wing Loading Chart

The weights listed below are the MAXIMUM weight limits for each category and size. There are many reasons why you might wish to stay below the maximum limit for your canopy. It is perfectly acceptable for your weight to be below these limits, as long as wind and landing conditions permit.

CANOPY MODEL

AREA (SQ.FT.)

MINIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

MAXIMUM EXIT WEIGHT

SPAN (FT.)

CHORD (FT.)

ASPECT RATIO

STUDENT

NOVICE

INT.

ADV.

EXP.

MAX

Optimum-99

99

VLC

N/R

N/R

N/R

119 (54)*

149 (67)*

220 (100)*

14.42

6.87

2.1:1

Optimum-106

106

VLC

N/R

N/R

N/R

127 (57)*

149 (68)*

220 (100)*

14.92

7.10

2.1:1

Optimum-113

113

VLC

N/R

N/R

113 (51)*

130 (59)*

159 (72)*

254 (115)*

15.40

7.30

2.1:1

Optimum-126

126

VLC

N/R

N/R

126 (57)*

145 (66)*

176 (80)*

254 (115)*

16.27

7.75

2.1:1

Optimum-143

143

VLC

N/R

122 (55)*

143 (65)*

165 (75)*

200 (91)*

254 (115)*

17.33

8.25

2.1:1

Optimum-160

160

VLC

N/R

165 (75)*

170 (77)*

200 (91)*

235 (107)*

300 (136)*

18.33

8.73

2.1:1

Optimum-176

176

VLC

N/R

185 (84)*

195 (89)*

220 (100)*

255 (116)*

300 (136)*

19.23

9.15

2.1:1

Optimum-193

193

VLC

185 (84)*

200 (91)*

210 (95)*

245 (111)*

270 (123)*

300 (136)*

20.13

9.59

2.1:1

Optimum-218

218

VLC

210 (95)*

225 (102)*

235 (107)*

260 (118)*

280 (127)*

300 (136)*

21.4

10.19

2.1:1

Optimum-235

235

VLC

235 (107)*

245 (111)*

255 (116)*

275 (125)*

290 (132)*

300 (136)*

22.21

10.58

2.1:1

Optimum-253

253

VLC

255 (116)*

265 (120)*

275 (125)*

290 (132)*

300 (136)*

300 (136)*

23.05

10.98

2.1:1

VLC = Varies with landing conditions N/R = Not Recommended *(KG) All weight measures show the Maximum Exit Weight for that category

Valkyrie

The Valkyrie builds on the dominating performance of the Peregrine and is designed as a step up from the Comp Velocity. Unlike the Peregrine, the Valkyrie was intended for freefall use, so the opening performance was a major consideration in the development of the canopy. And the openings on the Valkyrie are superb! Not to mention, it is simply a blast to fly. Whether you’re filming tandems all day or dedicated to canopy piloting, the Valkyrie will reinvigorate the everyday jump and excite even the most passionate canopy pilots. We loved making it. You’re going to love flying it.